PhD position on computational illumination optics

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

With over 110 (assistant, associate and full) professors, almost 300 PhD and EngD students, about 1500 Bachelor students and 1000 Master students, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) is the largest department of the TU/e. By performing top-level fundamental and applied research, and maintaining strong ties with industry, M&CS aims to contribute to science and innovation in and beyond the region.

Job Description

Are you eager to use your mathematical skills to design optical systems for sustainable high-tech devices for billions of people? If you studied math and are interested in modeling optical systems and developing numerical methods for the resulting partial differential equations, this may be the project for you!

The Computational Illumination Optics group is one of the few mathematics groups worldwide working on mathematical models of optical systems. They develop and analyze numerical methods to solve the resulting differential equations. The team has a healthy portfolio of PhD positions and close collaborations with industrial partners. It consists of four full FTEs at Eindhoven University of Technology and one part-time professor. See https://martijna.win.tue.nl/Optics/ for more details on their work.

PhD vacancy

As part of the national research program Optical coherence; optimal delivery and positioning (OPTIC, 12 PhD students across Dutch universities) we focus on the computational modeling aspect. OPTIC has four PhD positions at TU/e and we have filled three already. We still offer the PhD project on multi-beam freeform optical systems.
For ideal sources (point source or parallel beam of light rays) and light rays that follow a single path from light source to target screen, we know how to compute the required freeform optical surfaces (lenses or reflectors). This is done by numerically solving a nonlinear partial differential equation of Monge-Ampère type. In this project we will develop algorithms to design optical systems where light beams can be split and rays may follow different paths. This is important for applications as it may lead to more compact designs.

Job Requirements

We are looking for talented enthusiastic PhD candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in (applied) mathematics or (applied) physics with a background in mathematical modeling, numerical analysis and scientific computing
• Experience with solving ordinary and partial differential equations numerically
• Experience with programming (C, C++, Python, Matlab or alike)
• Creative pro-active team player with good analytical skills
• A research-oriented attitude
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level)

Conditions of Employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr.ir. Martijn Anthonissen, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact [email protected].

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancies will remain open until the positions are filled.